It has been identified that there is a need for more safe places within Bournemouth for young people with disabilities. Many young people with a disability currently do not access leisure activities and local shops within Bournemouth town centre due to their anxieties when in crowded situations, being bullied by peers or being involved in incidents such as having something stolen.

The Safe Places scheme’s initiative has already been hugely successfully in various counties across the country. The aim of the scheme is to work in partnership with local businesses to create safe zones, which young people can access.

The aim to create safe places, which young people with a disability can access if they become lost, have something stolen or feel intimidated in certain situations.

In 2015, The Chatterboxes, Bournemouth People-First and Poole forum won an accessible Britain award at the houses of commons for the Safe Places Scheme which was presented by Mark harper (minister for disabled people).